Principal Policy Advisors

Principal Policy Advisor - Multiple opportunities! Advance your policy career by leading interesting work that makes a real impact. Exercise your policy skills working on gnarly issues that matter for children and young people. Work in a vibrant and supportive team, with flexible work options and a genuine commitment to your wellbeing. We are looking for 6 Principal Policy Advisors to join our team: 5 permanent, full-time roles 1 x 12 month full‑time fixed‑term or secondment opportunity Based in Wellington at our beautiful National Office surrounded by the best cafes About the role Policy work at Oranga Tamariki is wide and varied, giving you ample opportunity to develop your career pathway and demonstrate your policy craft. We are the only policy group within a large operational organisation, which gives you greater exposure to a wide range of work that has a major impact on the frontline. Our policy group spans operational, system enabling, legislative and regulatory policy, and strategic, cross‑government policy programmes. We have an ambitious legislative and policy work programme to lift performance across the youth justice and care and protection system. Collaboration is central to who we are. We listen to children, young people, families, and whānau, and work with key partners, including Māori, Pacific and disability communities, to shape evidence‑based, impactful policy. We work closely with our data and insights teams and those working on the frontline, so your advice is steeped in realism. Great teamwork is how we operate. Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values: We put Tamariki first We believe Aroha is vital We respect the Mana of people We are Tika and Pono We value Whakapapa We recognise that Oranga is a journey We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need. Key requirements of the Principal Policy Advisor role Expert analytical, critical policy thinking and communication skills and ability to produce quality policy work quickly Build genuine and enduring relationships with influence in multiple settings to advance the policy agenda Lead and coach others, while being a compassionate and collaborative team member Understanding the circumstances and issues facing Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled and other key populations we work with Be enthusiastic with a can‑do attitude Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline Wellington‑based at the National Office Significant experience in central government policy is essential What's in it for you Oranga Tamariki offers competitive salaries and progression annually for experience through tenure. We work flexibly and have genuine support for wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and work respectfully. This is your opportunity to apply your skills to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi. Location(s): Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua, Wellington #J-18808-Ljbffr